One thing you cannot
escape noticing in the cities of Spain, is the dual atmosphere that is apparent
in the architecture, landscape and historical monuments of the country. On one
hand, you notice the European design of its buildings, which is a common sight
in the Western World. Some of the buildings resemble parts of London, or even
the heart of San Francisco in California.
The other part of the
old city, were the restaurant Sobrino de Botin is located represents the
cross-cultural nature of Spain, where you see historical traces of other civilizations
like the Greek and Islamic civilizations.
The IE Business School
assigned a tour guide for us to go through the old city after witnessing the
more modern part earlier. The ancient
city comprises of some hilly areas, the old city town hall and restaurants. You
can tell from the onset that tourism is important to this country. In fact, I
noticed it right from the airport.
On arrival, I was expecting serious scrutiny
from the immigration officials. Interestingly, in all the countries I visited
so far, I experienced the fastest clearance from an immigration official in
Spain. I handed in my passport, the official looked at my visa, without saying
a word, stamped on it, and in no more than 5 seconds, I was on my way out to
check for my luggage.
I was traveling
together with a friend and colleague from our office. Unfortunately, his
luggage did not arrive along with mine, even though we checked our bags
together from Jeddah. We were asked to report to the lost luggage office, which
we did. They promised to trace the bags and let us know within the next 24
hours. We left our hotel address with them.
The following day,
after lectures, we returned to the hotel, and my friend asked at the reception
whether he received any message. He was asked to check his room, lo and behold!
His bags were brought intact, and placed in his room. I told my friend that I
had similar experience back in 2004, precisely on the morning of September 10
at Manchester airport in the UK. On
arrival, I noticed that one of my bags was not there. I reported to the lost
baggage office.
Two days later, a man
knocked at the house I was staying. Hello, he said, “I would like to apologise
for the delay in bringing your luggage. We noticed that the handle of the bag
was broken, that was why we could not clear it at the airport. Here is a
replacement for the broken one; I hope you will continue to use our
airline.” That was it, and the man left.
I was perplexed, remained speechless as I gently took the two bags, wondering
what happened to the sense of justice in our countries. Apologies for the
digression.
The tour guide took us
to the old city of Madrid, where we visited several monumental places. Among
them was the restaurant called Sobrino de Botin, believed to be
operating continuously without changing location since 1725. The Guinness World
Book of Record awarded a certificate to the restaurant, which they placed at
the entrance. “Wow,” exclaimed one of our colleagues; “this is Moroccan
architecture,” he said. Many of us turned to Khaled Idrisi, as he explained to
us the similarities between the design, sitting arrangements, arts and other
features that define this restaurant. It wasn’t surprising at all to hear this
from Khaled, as most of the buildings in the area have an element of North
African outlook. A testimony to the influence of the Andalus Empire, many of
which have been preserved by the Spanish authorities.
Next place to visit was
a local market called Alfonso Dube Y Diez. It was a typical market made
from steel. Its current design was completed in 1915. The market gives you a
feeling of ancient Spain. It was well designed; there are butchers on one side
busy selling meat, while smaller fish markets are located in other areas. You
cannot lose sight of tourists also enjoying the taste of local dishes. I hope
our local markets in Nigeria, like the old Kurmi Market in Kano will one
day receive the attention, preservation and promotion that markets like Alfonso
have received. In fact, in a period of economic recession, it is a source of
income for the state.
Several landmarks in
the older part of Madrid still signify the impact of Andalus in Modern Spain. Among
these landmarks are the Hammams, originally from the Arabic word Hammam.
Although in present times, Hammam is translated as toilet, in those
days, the Hammam refers to a bath place, not bath in a literal sense,
but a place of relaxation. Hammam Al-Andalus was one of the key areas of
tourist attraction, and it has branches in several cities like Grenada, Cordoba
and Malaga.
In order to “kill the
lice on our eyes,” we visited one of the Hammams in the city Centre. The
entrance resembles what in Hausaland we call “Soro,” a waiting area or sitting
room in traditional Hausa architecture. The design so much resembles the traditional
palaces in Hausa city-states one might think he is in Kano, Kazaure or Daura.
This is not at all surprising looking at the historical relationship between
North Africa and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
There are small ponds
similar to modern day swimming pools, albeit much smaller. The sense of tranquility
and calmness in the Hammam creates a feeling of admiration for those
civilizations that flourished. It makes you engulfed with nostalgia for the
achievements of Andalus. I was curious to know the function of the Hammam
in those days. Our tour guide in Hammam Al-Andalus told us that scholars
in Andalus frequently used the Hammam, so when they are tired of
reading, writing or other forms of studies, they use the pools to take bath,
relax and continue with their intellectual activities.
To be continued
7:29pm
08 Dhul Hijja, 1437
10 September 2016
